Who are you, and what drew you to becoming an Ethnicity and Equity Ambassador?
My name is Kareem. I’m an international student from Egypt, currently living in Dubai, and now in my third year at UEA. Over my time here, I’ve grown a real sense of attachment to the community, especially the support networks that helped me feel grounded when everything was new. What drew me to becoming an Ethnicity and Equity Ambassador was the feeling that it was my turn to give something back before graduating. As a student of colour myself, I’ve navigated moments of uncertainty, adaptation and finding where I fit in. That experience made me realise that I could play a meaningful role in representing others on campus who may be going through something similar. I genuinely believe I can do a great job advocating for students like me, making sure their voices are heard and valued.
What experiences or perspectives do you hope to bring to the Ethnicity and Equity Ambassador team?
I hope to bring a lived perspective that closely reflects the very people we aim to represent. Being an international student and a person of colour has given me first-hand insight into the challenges and small joys that shape that experience. I want to bring forward the familiar feelings that many students have when arriving in a new environment – uncertainty, curiosity, excitement – and use them to ensure no one feels alone in that process. I also want to speak for those who haven’t yet found their place at UEA or who are still adjusting to university life. My aim is to help turn inclusivity from something we talk about into something students can actually feel through how we listen, support, and show up for them.
What will your focus be this year as an Ethnicity and Equity Ambassador?
My focus this year will be to make our presence and purpose much more visible across campus. I want people to know who we are, what we offer, and how we can support them long before they ever feel lost or unsure. A big part of that will be encouraging those who need encouragement – the students who might hesitate to speak up, who might feel out of place, or who simply don’t know where to start. I want to be a consistent, approachable presence and make the role something that genuinely uplifts people. Ultimately, my aim is to be a clear and reliable voice for those who need one, amplifying concerns and celebrating successes.
How do you see the Ethnicity and Equity Ambassador role supporting student voice and representation?
I see the role as a bridge – one that connects students with the wider university, ensuring their voices travel across spaces that they might not always feel comfortable entering. It’s a position that exists to make representation real, not just symbolic. For me, that means being accessible, transparent, and easy to reach, so students know exactly where to turn when they need support. It’s essential that a role like this exists because belonging doesn’t happen automatically; it has to be built and protected. As an Ethnicity and Equity Ambassador, I want to help build that sense of belonging by making sure everyone knows their experiences matter.
How should students approach you, and what can they expect when they do?
Students can approach me in whatever way feels natural to them – whether that’s stopping me around campus, sending a message, or approaching me at events. I’m always happy to pause, listen, and hear what’s on someone’s mind. When students come to me, they can expect a genuine smile, an open ear, and support that’s honest and respectful. I’ll do my best to help point them in the right direction or simply give them the space to talk things through. Above all, they can expect someone who takes their concerns seriously and wants to help them feel seen and supported. I’m confident I can be there for them when they need it.
I’m excited to help build a space where everyone feels they belong. So don’t hesitate – reach out, say hi, share your story. Together, we can shape something better for all of us.